I am a frequent reader but rarely post.  Appreciate all the wisdom on this site!

One question I have about epidural anesthesia that I have not seen addressed anywhere is whether any researchers have actually looked for traces of the medication in Mom's bloodstream and in baby's.  There are several studies showing poorer outcomes for breastfeeding after epidural, but the anesthesiologists continue to state that these medications do not pass to baby.  This is also what is expressed in the popular literature that I've read.  Are the breastfeeding outcomes causation or correlation?  So many other interventions occur in conjunction with epidurals (IV fluids immediately come to mind) that can impact breastfeeding.  Has any research looked at this?  

Thanks,

Cheri Kannarr, La Leche League of Davis, CA, USA

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